Why harmonica?
Harmonica Orchestra is a teaching program that fosters a lifelong love of music.
Harmonica Orchestra offers educators a straightforward curriculum that builds musical ability, understanding and confidence in all students. The Harmonica Orchestra teaching methodology fosters a lifelong ability to bring music into everyday life. By introducing 2nd-6th graders to such a simple instrument, the harmonica, students quickly learn rigorous musical concepts including dynamics, ear training, rhythm improvisation, composition and songwriting.
Harmonica Orchestra is the solution for everyone.
For teachers
Harmonica Orchestra offers a comprehensive music educational program that is quick to deploy (teachers do not need to be musicians or musically trained). It’s cost efficient, widely accessible, easy to introduce into any classroom and it is effective.
For administrators
Harmonica Orchestra offers a proven approach that is easy to deploy across multiple schools within a district, it is cost effective, easy to manage and safe. The program allows a district to offer music instruction without hiring new staff.
For students
Harmonica Orchestra is fast, fun, engaging and rewarding. The harmonica is always ready to play, easy to carry and is low maintenance.
For students (our most important customers!), playing the harmonica builds confidence to enjoy performing and explore making music.
Jason just understands how kids learn, and how to help them love music. He’s the “Bob Ross” of the harmonica! My daughter finds joy playing music for us.
Mom of 3rd grade private student
Key Benefits of Harmonica Orchestra vs. other programs
Immediate Success
The nature of the instrument allows students to be successful immediately which builds confidence right from the start.
Students remove the harmonica from the box.
They bring the harmonica up to their mouths and . . .
give it a blow.
That sounds great! Let’s keep going.
Deep Musical Concepts
Ease of playing allows for students to engage with deep music concepts like dynamics, ear training, rhythm and composition without the struggles of also having to produce a clear tone.
No Tuning Needed
Unlike string instruments, the harmonicas are ready to go right out of the box every day.
Small Size
Harmonicas and songbooks can easily be stored on a bookshelf in a simple box or plastic tub.
Cost and Durability
Relatively inexpensive as compared to other instruments and easy to replace if they are misplaced. Harmonica are also very difficult to break.
Volume
Even at their loudest, harmonicas are not very loud. Orchestra practice can happen without disturbing the neighboring classrooms.
“Let’s Jam!”
Size, ease of play, and relative quiet volume encourages students to explore together by “jamming” before and after school or during recess or free time.
Caregivers and Children can Share Music
When the students are so successful so quickly, both the students and their caregivers open their ears to more opportunities for musical exploration. Both the students and the caregivers feel proud, which builds even more excitement for music!
